The car dashboard, a panel of illuminated symbols and indicators, is a hub of information about your vehicle’s health. However, encountering a situation where a dashboard light remains on after turning off the engine can be perplexing.
Why do you think that happens? Is it something you think you should be bothered about? Is it normal or even common? Stay with me and let us delve deeper into this topic.
As surprising as it may sound, it is quite a common problem that people’s dashboard lights stay on when they have turned off the ignition. However, the question is, “is it normal?”. Certainly not!
The truth is, in some cars, the dashboard light stays on for about 30 seconds after one has turned off the ignition and removed the car key. Nevertheless, if the light stays on past this period, it should raise some concerns.
The reasons why dashboard lights stay on after the ignition has been turned off are due to problems with the ignition switch, a faulty battery, loose or dirty battery cables, and low engine oil pressure. Other reasons may be a faulty anti-lock braking system, faulty relay, loose dash panel block connectors, and faulty dash control module.
Let us dissect these reasons, shall we?
Reasons why dashboard light stays on after the ignition is off
There are several reasons why the dashboard light stays on after the ignition is off, here are a few examples
1. Problems with the ignition switch
The first reason might be because of a problem with the ignition switch. The ignition switch of a car is what determines whether the ignition light should come on or stay off. This switch is located on the steering column.
If the ignition switch has problems, that function will be “confused”. It will lead to unexpected broken internals which can short circuit the electric system responsible for regulating the lights.
2. Delayed Systems Shutdown
Modern vehicles are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that often continue running for a brief period after the ignition is turned off. This is a deliberate design feature aimed at ensuring a smooth transition and allowing certain systems to complete their processes before shutting down entirely. Common examples include entertainment systems, power accessories, and interior lighting, which may remain active momentarily for user convenience.
3. Keyless Entry and Exit Lightning
Many modern cars come equipped with keyless entry systems that use proximity sensors to detect when the key fob is near the vehicle. As you approach your car, the dashboard may light up as part of a welcome or exit lighting feature. This is a convenience feature that illuminates the interior of the car and the dashboard for safety and convenience, allowing you to see the cabin as you enter or exit the vehicle, even when the engine is off.
I was at home one evening and heard my wife screaming my name. I dropped my stuff and run towards her only for her to tell me the brand-new car I bought for her was faulty because the dash lights was still on. I immediately realised it was because of this feature and told her not to worry.
4. Loose or dirty battery cables
Another reason might be due to loose or dirty battery cables. The battery cables are what connect the battery to the car’s electrical system. If these cables are not connected properly, it can cause the dashboard lights to stay on.
Also, if the battery cables are dirty, it can cause a poor connection which will also result in the dashboard lights staying on even after you have turned off your car’s ignition.
Again, If the terminals of your battery corrode, it may leak battery acid from its terminal posts. If this happens, it can affect the dashboard lights. It is thus essential to care for these battery cables to prevent the occurrence of any such faults.
5. Delayed Shutdown
Car manufacturers design vehicles with a delay in the shutdown of electronic systems, including the dashboard lights, after the engine has been turned off. This delay is typically programmed to provide a brief window of time for the driver to retrieve belongings or exit the vehicle. The duration of this delay can vary depending on the make and model of your car. It’s usually set for a few minutes before the lights and electronics automatically turn off to conserve battery power. If you use a newer car model then you are no stranger to a delayed shutdown.
6. Faulty battery
The second reason might have to do with a faulty battery. A loose or corroded connection between the battery terminals can also cause this problem. If you notice that your battery’s terminals are corroded, it is advised that you clean them as soon as possible.
Also, If your car battery is faulty, it could cause your dashboard lights to stay on even after you have turned off your ignition. Your car needs a specific amount of energy or voltage from the battery to be able to function properly. If this voltage falls short, it could cause your dashboard lights to stay on even after you have turned off your ignition and removed the car key.
Battery Saver Mode
To prevent complete battery drain, many vehicles are designed with a battery saver mode. This feature automatically turns off non-essential electrical components after a certain period of inactivity. However, during the transition to battery saver mode, it is completely normal for dashboard lights to stay illuminated for a short duration before the entire system shuts down.
7. A Faulty anti-lock braking system
If you have issues with your car’s anti-lock braking system, your dashboard lights could stay on when you turn off the ignition. An anti-lock braking system helps you steer in emergencies by restoring traction to your tires. Therefore, if your anti-lock braking system is faulty or goes off, it will affect the dash controls. This will keep the dashboard lights on even after you have turned off the car’s ignition.
8. Faulty relay
A faulty relay could be the reason why your dashboard lights do not go off even after you have turned off your ignition. If your car has a relay, be sure to check the pins for corrosion, damage, water, and so on. Relays are used in a car’s electrical system to control the flow of current. If they are damaged or corroded, it can cause your dashboard lights to stay on even after you have turned off your ignition.
9. Loose dash clock connectors
Loose dash block connectors, located at the rear of the dashboard, could be the reason why your dashboard lights stay on after you have turned off the ignition. Though these connectors are not easily reachable, a specialist, with the help of tools, can check to see if that is the problem or not. If it’s the reason why your dashboard lights are staying on, they will have to be replaced.
10. Accessories and Aftermarket Modifications
If you have aftermarket accessories or modifications installed in your car, such as custom lighting, audio systems, or alarms, they can sometimes affect the behavior of the electronics of your car including your dashboard lights. Poorly installed or malfunctioning accessories may draw power from the vehicle’s electrical system and prevent the dashboard from turning off when it should.
11. Faulty dash control module
Finally, another reason why your dashboard lights remain on when you turn off your ignition is due to a faulty dash control module. Control modules are electronic devices that manage, monitor, and control the various electrical systems in a car.
If any of these modules is not functioning properly, it can cause your dashboard lights to stay on even when you have turned off your ignition. This particular problem could be diagnosed by a car specialist as it is complex. However, it could be one of the possible causes if your dashboard lights will not go off even after your ignition has been turned off.
Keep reading to find out what to do if your light doesn’t go off after the ignition is off
What to do if your dashboard lights will not go off after the ignition is off
There are several things you can do if your dashboard lights will not go off even after the ignition is turned off. Here are some tips:
1. Check all doors
The first thing to do is to check if all the doors of your car are closed properly. If any of the doors are ajar, it can cause the interior light to stay on, and as a result, the dashboard lights will also stay on. car doors are connected to an electrical circuit, and if any of the doors are ajar, it can cause a short circuit.
2. Disconnect and reconnect the battery
Another remedy to turning off the dashboard lights when the ignition is off will be to disconnect and reconnect the car’s battery terminals. This is in the case where the terminals are the reason why the dashboard lights remain on even after you have turned off your ignition.
Also, you should replace your car battery if it is more than three years old. A weak or dead battery can also be the reason why your dashboard lights will not go off even after you have turned off your ignition.
3. Re-ignite and turn off your engine again
As basic as it may sound, if your dashboard lights will not go off after you turn off the ignition, turn on the ignition again. Then, turn off the ignition one more time and see if the lights go off.
4. Have the car checked
If you find that your dashboard lights are staying on even after you have turned off your car’s ignition, it is best to take it to a mechanic and have it checked out. There could be various reasons why this is happening, some of which are simple and easy to fix while others might be more complex. However, only a professional will be able to tell you for sure what the problem is and how to fix it. Therefore, do not ignore this problem as it could indicate a more serious issue with your car.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, though seemingly common, it is not normal for your dashboard lights to be on when your car’s ignition is off. While the reasons why this may happen may range from trivial to complex, you need to ensure the dashboard lights do not stay on after the ignition is off.
Moreover, when the dashboard lights are on when the ignition is off, the reasons could be a faulty ignition switch, a faulty battery, loose or dirty battery cables, and low engine oil pressure. Other reasons may be a faulty anti-lock braking system, faulty relay, loose dash panel block connectors, and faulty dash control module.
Having the dashboard lights on when the ignition is off will drain your car’s battery. Imagine how frustrated you will be if you need to drive off to another destination but cannot get your car to start because your battery is dead.
I hope this article was of help to you. If you have any questions, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below and I will be more than happy to answer them.
